Arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Saints Cyril and Methodius arrived in Great Moravia, introducing the Glagolitic alphabet and spreading Christianity, which greatly influenced the cultural and religious foundation of the Czech lands.
863
1212
Golden Bull of Sicily
The Golden Bull of Sicily was issued by Emperor Frederick II, granting the Czech king the status of a hereditary ruler and recognizing the Kingdom of Bohemia as an independent entity within the Holy Roman Empire.
1348
Foundation of Charles University
Charles IV established Charles University in Prague, the first university in Central Europe, which became a center of learning and culture in the Czech lands.
1415
Execution of Jan Hus
Jan Hus, a Czech theologian and reformer, was executed for heresy, leading to the Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts that shaped Czech religious and national identity.
1526
Habsburg Rule Begins
The Habsburg dynasty began its rule over the Czech lands, leading to centuries of political and cultural influence from the Austrian Empire.
1618
Defenestration of Prague
The Defenestration of Prague sparked the Thirty Years' War, a devastating conflict that had profound effects on the Czech lands and the broader European region.
1784
Unification of Prague
The four independent towns of Prague were unified into a single city, enhancing its role as the cultural and political center of the Czech lands.
1918
Formation of Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia was established as an independent state following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I, with Prague as its capital.
1939
Nazi Occupation
Nazi Germany occupied the Czech lands, leading to significant suffering and resistance during World War II.
1948
Communist Coup
The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia took control in a coup, establishing a socialist state aligned with the Soviet Union.
1968
Prague Spring
The Prague Spring was a period of political liberalization and reform in Czechoslovakia that was crushed by a Soviet-led invasion in August 1968.
1989
Velvet Revolution
The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful protest movement that led to the end of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and the establishment of a democratic government.
1993
Dissolution of Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, on January 1, 1993.
2004
EU Membership
The Czech Republic joined the European Union, enhancing its integration into European political and economic structures.
2024
Current Developments
As of 2024, the Czech Republic continues to evolve as a democratic nation with a strong economy, vibrant culture, and active participation in international organizations.
